Everything You Need to Know About Eggshell vs. Satin Paint

You’ve finally narrowed down your (seemingly endless) options and decided on the perfect paint color. “It has a lot to do with how much light the space receives,” says Hannah Yeo, color marketing and development manager at Benjamin Moore. “A general rule of thumb is the higher the sheen, the tougher the finish,” says Patrick O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball’s international brand ambassador.

Though satin and eggshell paint are often grouped together, they have some distinct differences that are important to understand before making a final decision. To help you distinguish the differences between satin and eggshell paint, and decide which to choose, here’s a comprehensive guide to perfecting your finishing touches. Kitchen cabinets painted with a satin finish add depth to the space and will hold up over time.

Satin is a great choice if you're looking to create an understated depth in a space, or enliven the paint color you choose. A black bedroom is painted with an eggshell finish, adding a slight luster that is emphasized in daylight. While eggshell does not have too much luster, it will reflect and bounce light throughout a room, creating depth in a space without appearing overly shiny.

Eggshell paint is a great option for walls in medium- to low-traffic areas, and can be easily cleaned.

If your walls have bumps or imperfections, an extra coat of eggshell can disguise them more easily than satin or high-gloss finishes.